IMPLAN Blog

Beyond Tuition: The Cost of the Crackdown on International Students

Posted by Bjorn Markeson & Chandler West on August 26, 2025

International students have long been important contributors to the U.S. economy, not only through tuition payments but also through their everyday spending in the communities where they study. Beyond classrooms and campuses, international students support local restaurants, retail stores, healthcare providers, housing markets, and more.

But as new restrictions and heightened uncertainty around international enrollment take hold, the potential loss of this spending represents a significant risk to both local economies and the national economy. 

This IMPLAN analysis examines what happens if foreign student spending in the U.S. declines. To account for near-term uncertainty, we modeled the effect of a 10% reduction in student expenditures.

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Topics: Economics, Impact, Education, policy

The Tax-Exempt Tip Plan: A Mixed Bag for the U.S. Economy

Posted by Jenny Thorvaldson & Chandler West on April 4, 2025

As the 2024 election looms, one of the most debated policy proposals is the "No Tax on Tips" plan championed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This initiative, which aims to eliminate federal income tax on tip income, is designed to bolster the take-home pay of millions of American workers in the service industry. While the plan promises immediate benefits for tipped workers, its broader economic implications raise questions about long-term impacts on the U.S. economy. 

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Topics: Data, Economics, Impact, policy

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